The Water Conservation Program has established water conservation practices that strike a reasonable balance between environmental, energy and economic impacts, and are consistent with current industry standards and practices for different types of water use. The program defines water conservation as any beneficial reduction in water losses, waste or use.

Purpose
To ensure the adoption of water conservation practices that save valuable water resources and protect the environment.

Applicability
All new applications for permits and applications for water withdrawal subject to the provisions of RSA 485:3, RSA 485:48, RSA 485-C:21, and section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, including: new sources of groundwater for community water systems; new sources of groundwater for bottled and bulk water operations; new sources of groundwater that exceed 57,600 gallons over any 24-hour period; and new surface water sources of water supply associated with projects that require a water quality certification pursuant to Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act.

Processing Time
Within 45 days from the date the Water Conservation Program receives a complete water conservation plan.

Term/Renewal
If a well siting approval, large groundwater withdrawal approval, or design approval expires or requires an extension, a community water system may be required to submit a new water conservation plan, otherwise an approved water conservation plan persists with the lifetime of the water system or water use. Every three years from the date of a water conservation plan approval, a compliance report is required to be submitted to DES, documenting compliance with the water conservation plan and Env-Wq 2101.

Modification/Amendments
A water user may request modification of a water conservation plan provided all of the requirements with Env-Wq 2101 continue to be satisfied.

Transferability
The approved conservation plan is transferable with prior notification to the Water Conservation Program.